Find the right necklace for your neckline

Jessica Padykula is a freelance writer and editor in Toronto, Canada covering a wide range of topics for several online lifestyle publications. She is a regular contributor for SheKnows, covering travel, style, relationships, health and...

Pick the perfect necklace

V-neck, halter, one-shoulder, oh my. It can be tough enough choosing a neckline let alone trying to find the right necklace to go with it. If you're stumped, we're here to help you shop for necklaces that work with whatever neckline you're wearing.

V neckline

This classic neckline is a great way to draw focus away from broad shoulders and elongate your neck. “This makes the wearer appear taller and leaner, a strategy that celebrity stylists have used for years,” notes Gilbert. Because of these qualities of this particular neckline, it's a good idea to look for a necklace with a strong central focus. “This means going for a chain link or other standard, classic link necklace with a pendant that hits at the center of the sternum,” he advises. “A classic dainty necklace with a charm or birthstone pendant is perfect.”

Halter neckline

Pairing a necklace with a halter neckline can be tough. “Time and time again we see celebrities and pedestrians alike, getting this pairing wrong,” says Gilbert. “If you're wearing a halter neckline with a keyhole at the bust or spacing in the fabric, you're better off not wearing a necklace at all. If you're wearing a halter with full frontal coverage, channel your inner Cleopatra and opt for an ornate collar necklace,” he advises.

One-shoulder neckline

This is another one of the trickier necklines to pair a necklace with, but it can be done. “Because of the asymmetry of this neckline, it is smart to play with necklaces that have texture and geometric components,” Gilbert days. He suggests pairing a one shoulder neckline with a necklace of playful proportions. “What's key is making sure the necklace is long enough to clear at least two inches below the neckline.”

Jewel neckline

Of all the necklines, this one is one of the easiest to pair necklaces with, explains Gilbert. “You can easily wear a bib necklace, a pendant necklace, a collar necklace or just about any style necklace that you'd like,” he says.

Boat neckline

Since this neckline is so wide, it's best to pair it with a longer pendant necklace. Or you can choose a collar necklace. “You can also go the route of playing up the regal factor of this neckline by choosing a collar necklace that kisses this neckline, but has some small charm or design element that hangs or dangles slightly lower than the neckline,” says Gilbert.